: Excellent speculation, but it's possible that the Library could have an
: automatic lockdown mechanism which is activated upon release of the Flood.
: In such a case, the only way to open the doors would be to override the
: security feature. However, it would appear that the Flood got through
: either way, so maybe that's not a good explanation at all.

: I must say, though, that this is one of the best story threads in many weeks,
: if not months. And I thought I'd grown bored of these... :)

What if...

The drone control sub-system could have been how she cracked the library (et al.) systems. If the drones are indeed the thingamabobs the fly around, then they have pretty much unfettered access to the entire facility. She only cracked a subsystem so perhaps she couldn't (or wouldn't risk) blatant interference in the activity of 343GS and the MC but, rather, just slowed them down.

She sent the MC out of the CR in such a hurry (before she could completely analyze the system and formulate a plan) and they also lost touch. The MC is way to obtuse to pick up on the subtle hints she keeps dropping so she figures that she must delay them and wait for her one final chance. She cuts it really really close.